Promotion is the only way for Leeds to keep hold of stars like Jack Clarke

According to The Mail Online, Championship leaders Leeds have rejected a bid from Premier League outfit Crystal Palace for 18-year-old winger Jack Clarke.

The article also states that the teenager is valued at £12m, and has had interest from other top flight teams such as Tottenham and Bournemouth.

Clarke has made barely any starts for Leeds so far this season, being primarily used as a substitute by manager Marcelo Bielsa. However, he has still managed two goals and two assists from what little playing time he has had, and is proving to be one of the most exciting prospects in the league.

This only means one thing for Leeds, however; that they will not be able to fend off the suitors from the Premier League for long. Clarke looks destined to play in the top flight, and it will only be a matter of time before he does make the move up.

Therefore, Leeds must either yield to the clubs like Crystal Palace eventually, or they have to get promoted themselves, because Clarke will not want to waste any time in the Championship. Of course, Leeds are in a great position to do this sitting at the top of the Championship, but news like this suddenly gives a different complexion to their promotion chase. There is suddenly added pressure to move back to the Premier League in order to keep hold of their best talent, Clarke being a prime example. They owe it to the 18-year-old to earn promotion this season.